Deangelo Peterson

TE LSU

Grade

4.76 SEC

18 REPS

36.0 INCH

121.0 INCH

7.19 SEC

Overview

Peterson is an undersized tight end who really is more of a tweener, as he was used in both wide receiver looks and at tight end at LSU. He definitely won't be a blocking bruiser working off the line of scrimmage at the next level, and is more of a mismatch candidate who will need to work out of the slot to get looks against slower linebackers or smaller safeties in the NFL. He is a good athlete, but hasn't shown the consistency or production to warrant a top pick; but given the nature of NFL offenses at the moment, being mismatch driven, Peterson has late-round talent and could rise even higher to the middle rounds to a team that wants to develop his talents.

Analysis

Strengths

Peterson relies heavily upon his speed, which is good working as a tight end, to beat linebackers who are covering him deep down field. He relies on his length to make catches over safeties who are running with him. He is a mismatch-driven player who doesn't make a lot happen on his own when working against fast linebackers, but he runs decent routes and is deceptively shifty with the ball after the catch.

Weaknesses

Peterson doesn't make many plays happen for himself. He has to rely on mismatches and schemes drawn up by coaches to be put in a position to make plays. He can't block at all on the line of scrimmage. He is slightly better to work up field on linebackers, but really struggles with the physical aspect of his play and can get beat up on the line of scrimmage by bigger linebackers before he ever gets into his route.